Same-sex marriage ban struck down for Miami area

MIAMI - A Florida judge has overturned the state's ban on same-sex marriage in a ruling that applies to Miami-Dade County, agreeing with a judge in another county who made a similar ruling last week.

The ruling issued Friday by Circuit Judge Sarah Zabel applies only in Miami-Dade County. The Monroe County judge's ruling last week was stayed when Attorney General Pam Bondi filed notice of appeal. Zabel also stayed the effect of her ruling indefinitely to allow for appeals.

Both rulings found the same-sex marriage ban approved by voters in 2008 violated the U.S. Constitution's guarantee of equal protection under the law.

Bondi and ban supporters argued the referendum vote should be respected and that Florida has authority to define marriage in the state as between one man and one woman.